Emir BardakçıThe Chinese brand, Xiaomi, has now come forward with the first set of information regarding the upcoming release of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with the device boasting novel advancements in mobile cameras before its release on the Christmas Day of this year, on the 25th of December. According to the first set of updates released by insiders in the market, the main highlight of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra would be the mobile cameras that it supports, developed with the improved partnership between Xiaomi and the legendary brand of cameras, Leica.
The first confirmed highlight is a 1-inch LOFIC main camera, accompanied by a high-resolution periscope telephoto lens. Night and telephoto shoot capabilities have been hinted at greatly by Xiaomi, expected to impress with their priority on a professional-level camera experience.
Camera System with LOFIC Technology
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has a 1-inch image sensor with the LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) system, which can help to overcome the issue of excessive exposure. The image sensor in the rear camera supports an aperture of f/1.67, which facilitates the intake of more light during night and indoor shootings.
However, along with the primary camera, the Xiaomi smartphone features a second camera of a higher resolution – a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. This particular camera lens has a lens equivalency range of 14mm-100mm, an aperture of f/2.9, and optical zoom of 4.3x. It gives more importance to optical imaging rather than digital zoom.
Ultra-wide-angle cameras, on the other hand, take a backseat in this generation. As per the most recent updates, Xiaomi decided to emphasize the main camera, tele-camera, and gave little importance to the ultra-wide-angle camera, a trend observed in other flagships in 2025.
Xiaomi & Leica collaboration camera update
Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the strategic cooperation between Xiaomi and Leica has been upgraded. This upgraded cooperation is based on next-generation telephoto optics and night imaging algorithms. Xiaomi explains that this upgrade will bring about a “significant leap” regarding the quality of images at night when images are taken with telephotos.
Also being showcased in the same event is the Xiaomi Nox image processing technology platform, which combines well with Xiaomi Hyper OS for fast image processing, better HDR, and better color consistency for different lenses.
Refined design and “Starry Green” coloring scheme
Xiaomi 17 Ultra update also comes with design optimization. The upcoming device is expected to feature a flat display with rounded corners that are large. Another feature expected is a smaller camera bump. Another optimization is a rearranged camera module. Lastly, volume buttons that are arranged in a separated circular pattern.
Xiaomi has also introduced a new color variant titled “Starry Green.” This variant draws inspiration from night skies, utilizing glitters that reflect light, going hand-in-hand with the device’s theme of image capturing. Black and white color variants will accompany it during launch.
